General Items of Interest by Carl Buhler

Education

Today, May 7, 2019 is National Teacher Appreciation Day, otherwise known as National Teacher Day. The National Education Association describes National Teacher Day “as a day for honoring teachers and recognizing the lasting contributions they make to our lives.”

Today is a great day to think about and/or thank a teacher. Many of us have a favorite teacher from our time in school. As we think about how teachers shaped our lives, gave us an extra few minutes of their time, listened to our problems, and helped mold us into who we are today, we’re reminded of the special role teachers have in the lives of many. As parents, teachers continue to play a role in our lives as they influence our children and teach them foundational elements as they start their journey in life.

Many teachers have influenced me during my life…and I’m confident others will say the same thing. So, to all of my teachers, thank you!

According to the National Education Association, “[t]he origins of National Teacher Day are murky. Around 1944 Arkansas teacher Mattye Whyte Woodridge began corresponding with political and education leaders about the need for a national day to honor teachers. Woodridge wrote to Eleanor Roosevelt, who in 1953 persuaded the 81st Congress to proclaim a National Teacher Day. NEA, along with its Kansas and Indiana state affiliates and the Dodge City (Kan.) Local, lobbied Congress to create a national day to celebrate teachers. Congress declared March 7, 1980 as National Teacher Day for that year only. NEA and its affiliates continued to observe National Teacher Day in March until 1985, when the NEA Representative Assembly voted to change the event to Tuesday of the first full week of May.”

Additionally, National Day Calendar, added teachers “are kind, patient, hard-working, dedicated and understanding professionals that mold our children’s lives in a positive direction. We entrust our children with the teachers, and they affect their lives on a daily basis.” A very true statement!

The author, US Air Force retired Brigadier General Carl Buhler, is the CEO and Lead Consultant of Buhler Consulting, LLC which specializes in providing consulting services for aircraft maintenance, munitions, technology, SBIR, production, logistics, and supply. Carl is a career Air Force aircraft maintenance, munitions, and logistics officer. He is also a member of two Parent Teacher organizations.

Today, February 11, 2019 is National Inventors’ Day. On June 21, 1982, the 97th Congress passed Joint Resolution 140 (Public Law 97 – 198), to designate 11 February, the anniversary of Thomas Edison’s birthday, as National Inventors’ Day. Edison was born on February 11, 1847, in Milan, Ohio and held 1093 patents according to the EDN network.

Subsequent to the Congressional Joint Resolution, when Ronald Reagan was President of the United States, he proclaimed February 11, 1983 as National Inventors’ Day via Proclamation 5013. In the proclamation, President Reagan wrote “Almost two hundred years ago, President George Washington recognized that invention and innovation were fundamental to the welfare and strength of the United States. He successfully urged the First Congress to enact a patent statute as expressly authorized by the U.S. Constitution and wisely advised that “there is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the promotion of science . . .” In 1790, the first patent statute initiated the transformation of the United States from an importer of technology to a world leader in technological innovation.

Today, just as in George Washington’s day, inventors are the keystone of the technological progress that is so vital to the economic, environmental, and social well-being of this country. Individual ingenuity and perseverance, spurred by the incentives of the patent system, begin the process that results in improved standards of living, increased public and private productivity, creation of new industries, improved public services, and enhanced competitiveness of American products in world markets.

In recognition of the enormous contribution inventors make to the nation and the world, the Congress, pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 140 (Public Law 97-198), has designated February 11, 1983, the anniversary of the birth of Thomas Alva Edison, one of America’s most famous and prolific inventors, as National Inventors’ Day. Such recognition is especially appropriate at a time when our country is striving to maintain its global position as a leader in innovation and technology. Key to our future success will be the dedication and creativity of inventors.

Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 11, 1983, as National Inventors’ Day and call upon the people of the United States to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

In Witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 12th day of Jan., in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and seventh.”

To observe National Inventors’ Day, National Day Calendar recommends you “[k]eep tinkering. Keep seeking a cure, a fix, and improvements to our everyday life. Take time to recognize an inventor and encourage them to keep creating the next great invention.” Another way is to use #NationalInventorsDay on social media. For teachers, there is a lesson available about National Inventor’s Day at the National Day Calendar Classroom.

Across the world and the United States, inventors are making a difference every day. For inventors and companies looking to explore how their inventions can help the United States Department of Defense, there are many technology and innovation efforts ongoing. One example is with the United States Air Force and their AFWERX initiative. AFWERX was designed to solve Air Force challenges by working with industry on innovative technology and solutions. One part of AFWERX is focused on new technologies and small businesses, who can apply for opportunities through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. For more information on AFWERX, visit their site.

The author, United States Air Force retired Brigadier General Carl Buhler is the CEO and lead consultant of Buhler Consulting, LLC, a consulting company that specializes in providing consulting services for aircraft maintenance, supply, technology, SBIR, logistics and production. Brigadier General Buhler (ret) is a computer and technology fan, plus is a member of the Air Force Association and National Defense Industrial Association.

The holiday season at Colonial Williamsburg is a time of fun, exploration and adventure. Wrapped around beautiful sights, interactive events and history, a visit to Colonial Williamsburg is bound to be an adventure one will never forget.

Colonial Williamsburg is an immersive 18th-century experience, made even more wonderful during the holiday season. Visitors who explore during this time of the year will be able to see Christmas decorations, skate on the ice rink, dine at incredible restaurants, shop and explore. Additionally, visitors can hear locals from the 18th century discuss life during the winter and how they prepare for the cold winters. There are also a number of special events throughout the holiday season. For more information on these events, please visit the Colonial Williamsburg online calendar here.

For additional excitement, visitors can head to Busch Gardens’ Christmas Town which is open now through Jan 5, 2019.

The author, US Air Force retired Brigadier General Carl Buhler is the CEO of Buhler Consulting, LLC which specializes in providing aerospace, production, manufacturing, and defense consulting services. Carl enjoys history and enjoys visiting Colonial Williamsburg. He is a member of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.